FROM THE VICAR

My dear People,

I write this at the end of one of the wettest Mays within memory. In view of this unusual weather, it seems rather suitable that we should print in this issue an article entitled "From a Naturalist's Notebook.". We are fortunate in having Mr. W. F. A. Buck, of Stockbury, as its author - he is both farmer and naturalist, being among other things Editor of the Kent Bird Report, published annually by the Kent Ornithological Society. We hope to print more such articles. Further, if anyone sees anything unusual in the way of flora or fauna, Mr. Buck would be pleased to know of it.

From the countryside to churchyard, where the grass has understandably grown long - this reminds me of Church and Churchyard Week, 5th - 10th June. The P.C.C. ask for volunteers in those six days to supplement the regular work of our cleaners and caretaker to spring-clean the church and to do the tidying-up of the churchyard that only extra pairs of hands and clippers can achieve. Please come, if you possibly can, with your brooms and clippers; there will be a list in the church of the jobs to be done.

One thing in the church, however, that cannot be cleaned by volunteers is our small but good Norman and Beard organ. It has not been cleaned and overhauled for at least 30 years and the builders now report that this operation ought not to be delayed any longer. Although this will cost about £300 the P.C.C. have decided to go ahead with it. They have decided this partly for expediency's sake and partly as a long-overdue gesture to Mr. Bone, who has played our organ with great faithfulness and musicianship without fee for over 17 years; all this, too, after he had retired as Rainham organist and totalling 60 years as a church organist. What a remarkable record of service! An Organ Fund has been opened. I invite donations from all persons interested. We have a good organ; we have a devoted organist. We owe this to them both.

To those who contributed to my Easter Offering, I would express my warm thanks; it is a great help and encouragement.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

JOHN GREEN.